WOMEN’S WAR WORK.

Evening Star, Issue 24288, 1 September 1942, Page 6

WOMEN’S WAR WORK.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I am pleased to see that women and girls volunteering for service in the armed forces are to return to their former civil employment when the war ends. 1 have hoard that some large firms in Dunedin’s main street have been advising girls that they need not expect their jobs back if they volunteer. But more disturbing is it to learn that young girls called for service from the 20-21 age group are being asked by someone in authority to proceed to work in mental hospitals. Most parents will view this procedure with feelings akin to alarm. All honour to the men and women who perform such service! They are born, not made, and their conditions and remuneration should be of the highest standard the Government can grant. But, with all due respect, and speaking as one with a superficial knowledge of one such institution, 1 make bold to say that it is uo place into which to send girls of impressionable age. Such an experience is enough to affect their whole outlook on life, and it is little wonder that we read of appeals against such service in your issue of Friday. I further am of the opinion that all young women compelled by regulation to change their employment should be issued with a special badge of identification, as they are no less worthy than others who can sport a uniform. Thus when a girl is compelled to leave office or counter and act as a waitress in some local restaurant, she would be recognised as an essential waxworker. One cannot, of course, but wonder why, if such jobs as I'have instanced are essential, the former employees who arc to bo replaced were permitted to leave, and it certainly appears that a good deal of unnecessary overlapping is taking place.—l am, etc., i Listener. August 29.